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Maryland operates as a “May Issue” state which means you’re required to show good cause for owning a handgun, and you must provide documentation to give background details for your case. Some reasons included working for a security firm or safe-guarding a business.”May Issue” policy makes obtaining a handgun permit in Maryland difficult but not impossible. Marylands constitution has no provision to protect the right of individuals to bear or keep firearms.
| Open Carry Permitted? | No |
| Carry In Vehicle? | No |
| Carry In State Park? | No |
| Carry In Restaurants? | Yes |
| Constitutional Carry? | No |
| No Weapon Sign Enforced? | No |
| Must Notify Officer? | No |
NO
You will need a permit to carry a handgun either concealed or openly. Although open carry is technically legal it is not advisable in this state. You would most certainly be stopped by the police and your actions could be used as a reason to revoke your permit. The only people who openly carry in Maryland are the police or security guards.
NO
Without a permit to carry it is illegal to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle. If you have a permit to carry then there are no restrictions on carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle. 4-203 Transporting handgun
NO
It is illegal to carry in the following areas; State Parks: NO – Admin code 08.07.06.04 State/National Forests: NO – Admin code 08.07.01.04 State Wildlife Management Areas: YES – Nat. Res. code 10.4 Sec. 4.10.408(d) Road Side Rest Areas: NO – Admin code 11.04.07.12
YES
“Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.
NO
Maryland does not have constitutional carry.
NO
We have not found any laws giving gun signs the force of law. However, we advise everyone to abide by any gun sign they encounter whether they are lawful or not.
NO
There is no law in Maryland that states you must inform law enforcement you are carrying a firearm. However, there is a law that states you must have a valid carry permit in your possession if you carry, transport or wear a handgun. You would need to present the permit if asked by a law enforcement officer. Sec. 5-308 Possession of permit.